1 September 2006

Families hold dreams back as they push dreams along. Generally, families want duties to come first and dreams to come second, if at all. Even though decisions are made for Eveline, she cannot make a decision when the time comes for her to determine her future. Obligation and skewed perspective hold Eveline back from change. Eveline’s sense of duty makes her hesitant to follow a hopeful escape.

Eveline is overwhelmed by her internal conflict to go with Frank. She is afraid she will be treated the way her mother was. She wants respect and a sense of freedom. Eveline knows if she goes with Frank, she will be in the same situation that she is in now. Eveline makes a decision to keep the life she already has when she is indecisive.

Also, Eveline’s obligations hold her back: her father expects her to cook, clean, and shop for him. She has a job at the Stores, so she contributes financially to the household, which shows that she is in a lower social class. She considers going to Buenos Aries with Frank because she knows that she wouldn’t be held back by those duties. She wants freedom and a getaway from her social stature.

On the other hand, Eveline’s perspective is skewed by Frank’s benevolence and affection. He dotes upon her. This makes Eveline feel special and wanted. Her relationship with Frank is the complete opposite of the relationship with her father. Frank is caring and kind, while her father is drunk all the time and threatens her. The differences in the treatment from the men in her life frighten her, so she stays in the familiar.

All and all, Joyce’s stories never have happy endings. He draws caricatures of his friends in his stories. His depression about his mother’s death contributes to his writings. He writes about his class, and what he knows, therefore he never will know a happy ending.